Best Bites: Summer-Style Blueberry Pie
By Donna Erickson
Prepare a Summer-Style Blueberry Pie
Fresh blueberries peak at this time of year, so it's time to make good use of them. Not only are they versatile and delicious, but they are nutritional standouts due to being high in antioxidants.
PHOTO CREDIT: Donna Erickson
Pick your own, or purchase a basket at the market and start thinking with your kids of all the ways that you can enjoy blueberries from morning until night. Sprinkle them on cereal, toss them in a muffin batter, or create smiley faces on top of pancakes and waffles for happy food art to start the day! Combine them in a fruit salad for lunch, eat a handful for an afternoon snack, or stir them into yogurt fruit pops.
As a sweet finale to any summer day, enjoy my family's favorite blueberry pie! The uncooked berries in the recipe, combined with lemon juice and zest, create a zingy, fresh flavor. This recipe is very easy to prepare at the last minute with your kids when friends come by, or when you want to bring a crowd-pleasing summer dessert to a potluck picnic. You simply prepare the blueberry filling on the stovetop and pour it into a prepared pie crust. Chill, and it's ready to serve!
I top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or I serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Yum! It's like a taste of summer.
EASY FRESH BLUEBERRY PIE
Makes 1 pie
4 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and stems removed (Let kids go through them to pick out any crushed or overripe berries.)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest (optional)
1 (9-inch) pie crust, baked
In a medium saucepan, gently stir together 2 cups blueberries, sugar, water, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and stir constantly until thick and clear. It'll be a luscious dark-purple color.
Stir in lemon juice and zest, then gently fold in the rest of the blueberries. Cool slightly.
Pour the thick filling into the pie shell. Let set or chill before serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Donna Erickson creates relationships and community through food and fun. Find more to nourish and delight you at www.donnaerickson.com.
(c) 2026 Donna Erickson
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